Three of Galway’s returned emigrants have loudly praised the benefits of a Government-backed initiative that helped them start up their own business enterprises when they decided to come back home.

Orlaith Kilgannon of Pelvic Health West in Oranmore; Robbie Reeve of Wild Irish Saunas on the Headford Road and Ronan Purcell of Fort Energy, based at gteic in An Spidéal, were among the previous beneficiaries who encouraged others to apply for places on Back for Business, the free government programme is now open to applications.

Now in its eighth cycle, the programme is seeking offers of interest from people who have recently returned to Galway – or who are still living abroad but thinking of returning in the near future.

Those eligible to apply include returned Irish emigrants who have lived abroad for at least a year and have returned to Ireland in the last three years, and emigrants currently living abroad who are planning to return to Ireland in the near future.

Orlaith Kilgannon, Director and Specialist Physiotherapist of Pelvic Health West, is encouraging others to apply for the programme.

Based in Oranmore, Pelvic Health West provides specialist physiotherapy and Pilates for women to prevent and manage symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.

On the Back for Business programme, Orlaith found that the peer support from other participants who were having similar experiences was a great help to her.

“My experience in Back for Business working with a diverse range of entrepreneurs has allowed me to structure both short and long-term realistic and achievable goals to scale my business,” she said.

“Surrounded by those who had also returned home in recent years and experienced similar challenges was comforting.

“Long term, I will grow my own team, but my Back for Business team have inspired me to keep dreaming and believing in my vision for Pelvic Health West and women’s health in the future,” she added.

Participants on the last cycle, Back for Business 7, quadrupled their collective turnover from €300,000 at the start of the programme to €1.2million at its conclusion. Their collective employee numbers also increased from 14 to 47 during the cycle.

Participants in Back for Business 8 will take part in round-table sessions focused on goals and milestones, which are facilitated by voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs who have experience of successfully starting and growing a business.

The eighth cycle of the programme will run from February to June and there is no charge for those selected to participate. Up to 50 places will be available nationally.

Eligible candidates have until Thursday, January 16, to submit their applications. Those interested can apply through www.backforbusiness.com.

Pictured: Back for Business advocate Orlaith Kilgannon with Rory Geraghty of the Department of Foreign Affairs.